Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => General Chat => Topic started by: MudGoat on March 29, 2013
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I have been walking in the Mournes for years now, and consider myself a responsible person and I take what I consider to be reasonable safety precautions when I venture into the hills. And, touch wood, I have never come close to having any difficulties up there. I particularly enjoy the challenge of inclement weather, such as our recent snow.
But I have received some criticism from people suggesting that going up in such conditions is not just risking my own safety, but the safety of anyone who should have to come and rescue me.
Anybody any thoughts?
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I don't think it's irresponsible going into the mountains in the snow but this is such a broad term.
You could go out and be responsible or irresponsible on the same day regardless of the conditions.
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With regards to those who would come to rescue you. I find the people who tend to try to express the concerns on behalf of the rescue teams are people who have no interest in hill walking (similarly sailing or other pursuits). I'm not convinced they are qualified to speak on the rescuers behalf.
From anything I have picked up from the likes of the MRTs in person or in comments released, I don't think they mind attending to those who are well prepared but unfortunate. The MRTs are usually people who have an interest in the pursuits themselves and are prepared to provide a service so that people can be free to enjoy the mountains with the confidence that a back-up is available should the worst happen. I'll emphasise I think this would apply to those who are well prepared and are not acting in a foolhardy way.
That is not to suggest that they don't provide an unconditional service to anyone who happens to need them, even if not properly prepared. But there is guidance and good practice available and I'm sure they would wish that people would realise that the onus is on them to follow it.
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Take every sensible precaution you can but I'm in agreement with the above.
The most likely people to call you reckless for getting out there are pass-remarkable soft-bosomed keyboard warriors with an abundance of nice clean books on the outdoors. Pay such people no heed.
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Reckless for going into the hills in bad weather?
How then does equipment get tested? How then do people improve their mountain skills? How then do people find their limit?
Those kind of comments generally come from inexperienced, small minded individuals who have a limited knowledge of a subject they profess lots about!
Avoid them like Lymes disease
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Thank you very much for your replies, they have gone a long way to return my peace of mind. :)
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The most likely people to call you reckless for getting out there are pass-remarkable soft-bosomed keyboard warriors with an abundance of nice clean books on the outdoors. Pay such people no heed.
Brilliant, that made me chuckle, 'The Pass-Remarkable Soft-Bosomed Keyboard Warriors' sounds like an 80s cover band. You Sir, get a Karma.
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The most likely people to call you reckless for getting out there are pass-remarkable soft-bosomed keyboard warriors with an abundance of nice clean books on the outdoors. Pay such people no heed.
Fantastic.
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If they had a lead singer it would have to be......
(http://i.imgur.com/Pc6i0Yc.jpg)
Brilliant, that made me chuckle, 'The Pass-Remarkable Soft-Bosomed Keyboard Warriors' sounds like an 80s cover band. You Sir, get a Karma.
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If they had a lead singer it would have to be......
(http://i.imgur.com/Pc6i0Yc.jpg)
Haha, class, look at the permed one, is he still counting down.
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I thought you'd recognize that one :)
If they had a lead singer it would have to be......
(http://i.imgur.com/Pc6i0Yc.jpg)
Haha, class, look at the permed one, is he still counting down.
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I thought you'd recognize that one :)
Yep, it's the final countdown....to the easter camp. :D
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@Aragorn: ;D
I don't think it's irresponsible going into the mountains in the snow but this is such a broad term.
Yup, everything is a calculated risk. There's more chance I'll come to a sticky end driving to work than falling on my head doing a nite hike...(personally if it's my time...I would prefer the latter)
The only two incidences I've recently been semi-involved with (one a broken wrist, the other a badly sprained ankle that resulted in shock) where both simple accidents, a stumble, a slip and it was done. No amount of fancy equipment, training or experience would have helped. That's not to say learning how to ascend/descend steep ground, map reading etc are not essential skills that every walker should know...
With all this the only time I've had a near miss myself was after consuming a rather nice brandy (or was it red wine) in the company of Mr Dowser below Cove Cave, went off for a wizz, tripped fell slid down a grassy slope between two angry looking boulders...sobered up in an instant...too embarrassed with what happened even to tell Dowser :) pretty sure I've not drunk in the High Mourne since ;D
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We wondered the same when talking about going up over the weekend as we'd never been up in the snow before and weren't sure if the kit we had was sufficient.
Spoke to a friend in the MRT and he was very encouraging - "wrap up warm, be careful and enjoy"!
So, off we headed...."we" being myself and t18con...., argued over route as usual as I wanted to go a well worn path with plenty of people (just in case he thought he could take the opportunity to bury me in the snow or something!), but we usually do head for quieter spots so we can truly appreciate the quietness, so we settled on Pigeon Rock - not too steep or high!
Headed off with the 2 dogs and any fears were quickly dispelled.... It was easier going than I had reckoned and was so beautiful. Going to head back up tomorrow if there's any snow left so if any of you are up today and can recommend somewhere for tomorrow it would be greatly appreciated ;D
J